Job Connect: matchmaking for opportunities.

Job Connect is one of the Ministry of Training, Colleges and Universities' most successful initiatives. Through this project, which was established seven years ago, young unemployed people are empowered to match their talents and skills with jobs. The program boasts statistics that speak to excellence in planning and implementation.

"From the college side of things, we place approximately 13,000 young unemployed people in jobs annually, and we help thousands of students find summer employment," says Dan Goldring, Executive Director of Job Connect for the college sector. Goldring is based out of St. Lawrence College in Kingston. "The program is primarily designed for people between the ages of 15 and 24 who are out of school and out of work and looking for employment, although we can serve up to 10 per cent of our clients outside that age range. Across Ontario, those who wish to use the services of Job Connect can visit resource centres that are equipped with photocopiers, fax machines, Internet access and the like for labour market information and guidance."

Of the 127 Job Connect sites in Ontario, 58 are located in colleges. "Most of our clients are young," Goldring points out, "and they are not normally college or university bound. Through the Employment Planning and Preparation (EPP) service, people can receive job search and interview counseling and help with writing resumes. Some may be advised to go back to school or access help with literacy or other agencies who may offer them assistance."

Another area in which Job Connect helps is called Information and Referral Services (IRS). This self-directed community employment resource provides information on local employment and training opportunities, as well as access to labour market information, fax and photocopy machines and more.

Job Development Placement Support (JDPS) is a more dedicated job-finding support for those who are having more difficulty finding employment. "This program has more structure," says Goldring, "and clients are assisted with placement into employment. They may receive on-the-job training or assessment of job or training needs. We can offer training supports to employers who are willing to take them on."

Goldring explains that many clients who come to Job Connect are not financially secure, and sometimes come from difficult situations. "At stages like EPP, we can help with bus tickets, clothes for an interview, babysitting money, tuition help, etc." He knows first-hand how much the Job Connect connection can help, as he was manager of the program for Lambton College in Sarnia for five years. After moving to Kingston, he was hired by the provincial colleges to direct the program. "I deal a lot with the Ministry," he says, "working to make constructive changes to the program when needed and to raise the profile of colleges that have Job Connect services across the province."

For more information, visit www.algonquincollege.com/jccs or www.edu.gov.on.ca/eng/training/cepp/cepp.html.